Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese is a pile of ranch-seasoned cheesy elbow macaroni topped with ranch seasoned chicken and crumbled bacon.
Servings: 8
Calories: 556kcal
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
Macaroni and Cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces (2 cups uncooked) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Ranch Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side (or until golden brown and internal temperature is 165°F). Remove from heat and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Wipe out the skillet to use for the macaroni and cheese.
Macaroni and Cheese
- In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
- Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
- Return the pan to the heat and whisk another 3-5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Add the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Add the cheeses, stirring to melt.
- Pour the cooked noodles over the top of the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, and top with the chicken, bacon, and chopped parsley.
Notes
PRO TIP: I prefer to NOT mix the chicken & bacon into the macaroni and cheese. (Just pile on top!)
I tested this recipe several times by adding all ingredients together and found that it wasn't as flavorful when combined; the cheesy macaroni drowns out that fabulous ranch chicken. I highly recommend serving as shown and allowing the family to mix ingredients in their bowl should they prefer that method.
Nutrition
Calories: 556kcal